1
Will meditation work for me? I have a monkey mind!
Yes, because thoughts are a part of meditation. Scientists say we have between 80,000 and 100,000 thoughts a day. Make that number 100,001, because now I’m thinking about all those thoughts.
Vedic Meditation is a natural and effortless technique that de-excites the mind. Once the mind de-excites, you’ll notice that you’ll have fewer and fewer thoughts. You can have a calm disposition or an active one, and have it work just the same. Anyone can learn this type of meditation.
2
How long until I feel the benefits?
Within the first week of meditating, most people report feeling calmer, having more energy and experiencing greater clarity. Friends and family will often notice the difference too.
3
Do I have to sit in a weird position or chant?
Only if you want pictures for Instagram. When we meditate, we sit comfortably with our eyes closed. We can change our position anytime for maximum comfort. To anyone watching it looks like we’re resting or taking in the sun.
4
Do I need a special room to meditate?
No, it’s a completely portable practice. You don’t need silence either. You just need to find a comfortable place to sit.
5
Is this a cult?
It’s amazing how many people ask this question. Of course I’m going to say no, but let me tell you why. Our goal as teachers is to make you a self-sufficient meditator. After the 4 day course, you will have learned everything you need to know to remove stress from your physiology. Some people learn and never check-in again. Other meditators love being in a community and join for free weekly group meditations. It’s entirely up to you. People of all faiths and lifestyles practice Vedic Meditation. You also don’t have to believe in anything for it to work, not even the technique and you’d still experience the benefits. Furthermore, there are a few hundred people worldwide who teach Vedic Meditation. I learned under Thom Knoles, the preeminent teacher of Vedic Meditation. I continue to learn from Thom, but there is no hierarchy and we don’t pay fees to anyone.
6
Is Vedic Meditation Hindu? Do I have to change my religious beliefs?
No, Vedic Meditation is not Hindu; it’s not Indian either, although it comes from ancient India. Many cultures throughout the world knew how to meditate but the practice was lost over time. In India, it was preserved through the master-disciple lineage. Vedic Meditation comes from the Veda, which means knowledge in Sanskrit. It’s a body of knowledge that also brings us yoga and ayurveda. Like yoga and ayurveda, people of all religions and races practice this type of meditation.
7
Where am I going to find the time to fit this into my busy life?
After learning this technique, you’ll have more energy and be more efficient with your day. You’ll think clearer, have better reaction times and ultimately be more effective. During the course, I’ll share tips and suggestions for how to fit it in your busy schedule.
8
How is Vedic Meditation different from Transcendental Meditation?
I was trained to teach Vedic Meditation by Thom Knoles, who continues to teach this form of meditation. Thom was trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation (“TM”) by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (“Maharishi”), and taught it for over 25 years with organizations affiliated with Maharishi. Since 1997, Thom has continued to teach meditation as he learned it from Maharishi, and has done so independently and separately from the TM organizations. I am an independent meditation teacher. I am not affiliated in any way with the Maharishi Foundation USA, or with any trademark, program or organization that is affiliated with, or a licensee of, the Maharishi Foundation USA.
9
What does scientific research say about this form of meditation?
The form of meditation that Maharishi taught has been the subject of hundreds of scientific studies showing a wide range of benefits from regular practice. These studies, which refer to this form of meditation using the name “Transcendental Meditation” or “TM”, support the benefits obtainable from regular practice of Vedic Meditation. Some of these benefits include:
Improved memory, energy, creativity
Relief from depression and anxiety
Relief from migraines, headaches and asthma
Relief from insomnia and other sleeping disorders
Faster reaction times
Reduced cholesterol levels
Relief from fatigue
Stronger immune system
Reduced risk of heart disease
Normalization of blood pressure
Improved sports performance
Reduction of biological aging
Reduced addictive behaviors
Normalization of weight
10
Do you teach children?
Yes, their practice is tailored to their age group and it doesn’t require sitting with their eyes closed. It is required that at least one parent or guardian has learned Vedic Meditation.
Have a question that's not listed here, email me at info@jillnoel.com.
Jill teaches independently and is not affiliated with any proprietary organization. She expressly disclaims any association with Maharishi Foundation Ltd. (a corporation with limited liability), its programs, its methods, its trademark "Transcendental Meditation" (the common words "transcendental" and "meditation" as defined in Webster's Dictionary but given an initial capital) and its licensees. Vedic Meditation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition.